Getting evidence used for action: Learn how it’s been done in Scotland, Australia and New Zealand
New Zealand’s social sector is operating in a challenging social investment environment - and needs to get better at
using evidence and putting it into practice.
Superu (the Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit) runs the annual Evidence to Action (E2A) conference and this
year’s theme is What Works: When evidence leads to action. The conference will be held in Wellington on Monday 19 June
2017.
We’re excited to host two international experts in the fields of evidence and evaluation: Dr Sarah Morton is a global
expert who works at the cutting edge of social research, policy and practice. She is Co-Director at Edinburgh’s Centre
for Research on Families & Relationships and a Director of What Works Scotland. Sarah’s expertise is in bridging the gaps between research and
practice with pioneering tools and perspectives that work. She specialises in social research, the co-production of
research, and looking at how research can be used to address real-life problems and complex change.
Karen Field, CEO of Melbourne’s drummond street services, will give conference attendees a slightly closer-to-home
perspective. Karen has over 25 years’ experience in developing and delivering a range of evidence-based programmes and
services to communities across the spectrum of public health. Her expertise includes promotion, prevention and early
intervention, tertiary end treatment programmes, and recovery and continuing care services. She sits on the Board of
Directors of the Family & Relationship Services Australia and is the National Chief Executive of Stepfamilies Australia.
Complex social issues need good quality evidence and decision-makers need to know what works. E2A draws upon global and
local experience that is proven and works, to address the gap between research and policy. The conference provides
relevant, useable and dynamic information that enhances the capacity of New Zealanders who work within the social
sector.
ENDS